Redskins' Scouting Report

December 17, 1989|By WARNER HESSLER Staff Writer

REDSKINS AT FALCONS

Where: Atlanta

When: 4 p.m.

Line: Redskins by 7

TV: Channels 3,6

Radio: WTKR-AM 790

QUARTERBACK

The Falcons have one of the best in the league in Chris Miller but his production has been limited by a mediocre group of receivers. He has the strength to rifle the deep post pass and has developed a nice touch on timing patterns. Washington's Mark Rypien, after just 18 pro starts, has shown signs of being a complete quarterback during the last month. He calls a smart game, has improved his mechanics and makes few mistakes. (Advantage to Washington). RUNNING BACKS

Young John Settle of Atlanta burst onto the scene last year with 1,024 yards and made veteran Gerald Riggs expendable. He's small and has a tremendous burst that makes him effective on draws and cutbacks, but the Falcons have evolved into a passing team in 1989 and he has just 667 yards on 171 carries. The Redskins have prospered with versatile H-back Earnest Byner in the fullback position. (Advantage to Washington).

RECEIVERS

When quarterback Miller has time to scan the field, he usually looks for Shawn Collins, a big, physical rookie who can go inside and deep. Sprinter Michael Haynes, who has questionable hands and heart, has been getting more calls in recent weeks as Collins demands double coverage. Gary Clark of Washington went over 1,000 yards in receptions last week and Art Monk and Ricky Sanders should top that mark this week. (Advantage to Washington).

OFFENSIVE LINE

Atlanta has the league's worst running game and has allowed 48 sacks. Former All-Pro Mike Kenn is having a bad season, Stan Clayton and Jamie Dukes would be reserves on any other team, Pro Bowl guard Bill Fralic has become ordinary, and tackle Houston Hoover is more comfortable at guard. Despite three new starters, Washington's pass protection is as good as it's been during the decade and the run-blocking is adequate. (Advantage to Washington).

DEFENSIVE LINE

Mike Gann, Tony Casillas and Ben Thomas of the Falcons are rough and rugged guys with a barroom brawler's mentality, but they're the worst run-stoppers in the NFL. The front line has put little pressure on quarterbacks. The Redskins' pass rush has been weak during the last five weeks, but the mid-season additions of end Fred Stokes and tackle Tracy Rocker has improved the run defense to third-best in the NFL. (Advantage to Washington).

LINEBACKERS

This area was expected to be the Falcons' strength this season, but Aundray Bruce and Marcus Cotton, the top two draft picks of 1988, have done little more than rush the passer. Bruce was benched for several games and Cotton is still trying to win his job back from Tim Green. The Redskins' run-stopping performances up front have allowed outside linebackers Wilber Marshall and Monte Coleman to get involved in the pass rush. (Advantage to Washington)

SECONDARY

Atlanta's pass defense has decent statistics, which may be because most opponents build game plans around the run. Cornerbacks Deion Sanders and veteran Bobby Butler offer little run support. Washington's surprisingly effective zone, featuring rookie corners A.J. Johnson and Martin Mayhew, sprung some leaks last week. Starter Alvin Walton, out the last two games with a bruised shoulder, may return today. (Advantage to Washington).

SPECIAL TEAMS

This may be the Falcons' strength. The dangerous Sanders, who returns punts and kickoffs, has a 72-yard kickoff return and a 68-yard punt return. Opposing punters have often sacrificed distance to keep the ball out his hands. Punter Ralf Mojsiejenko, kicker Chip Lohmiller and returner Joe Howard rank with the best in the league and have given the Redskins their best special teams play since the mid-1980s. (Advantage to Washington).

OVERVIEW

The Redskins, for the first time this season, have the advantage in every matchup. They have an even bigger edge on the sidelines where lame duck interim Coach Jim Hanifan of Atlanta is trying to keep things together until a new coach is hired. Despite the Falcons' 3-11 record, the Redskins must be wary of a team that has more talent than the Dallas team that beat Washington earlier. (Advantage to Washington).

WHEN THE REDSKINS HAVE THE BALL

The Redskins have become less predictable during the last five games, but it can be said with a large degree of certainty that they will try to carry today's game with the run.

They'll spread the field with three or four receivers and run their usual array of slants outside the tackles and cutbacks inside the ends.

Coach Joe Gibbs will occasionally change the pace with his "elephant formation" featuring three tight ends and fullback Gerald Riggs, who is itching to run against his former team. Although Riggs, the opening-game starter, appears nearly recovered from a sprained arch injury, Gibbs has resisted changing an offense that has been successful with Earnest Byner as the featured back.